PENA — Press Education and Newsroom Access | Albanian-American Development Foundation The Pyramid of Tirana

“The story is written in the words.
The truth is found between the lines.”

Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco Reading the news in a digital magazine

PENA (Press Education and Newsroom Access) is a 9-month journalism fellowship designed to empower the next generation of Albanian journalists with the skills, experience and professional network to question, investigate and report with purpose.

Who can apply

For journalists who dare to go beyond the headline.

PENA is for Albanian journalists aged 22–32 who are ready to challenge themselves, sharpen their craft and make their work matter.

Bring your curiosity. We’ll bring the rest.

Join PENA if you:

  • Are an Albanian citizen. Dual citizens are also eligible.
  • Are between 22 and 32 years old.
  • Have at least 2 years of professional experience in journalism.
  • Have excellent written and spoken English.
  • Hold a completed undergraduate degree. Graduate or postgraduate qualifications are an asset.
  • Can submit 2–3 examples of journalistic work produced within the last two years, including articles, broadcast reports, multimedia stories, podcasts or other published/aired content.
  • Are available for all mandatory training sessions, workshops, mentorship activities and study visits throughout the fellowship.
  • Have not completed another AADF fellowship within the past two years.

Call for Applications

Start Your Journey Here!

Applications open 21 September. Apply by 1 November to take the next step in your journalism journey.

Find out if you can apply

PDF, JPG or PNG. Maximum 10 MB per file; up to 3 portfolio files.

Tell us where you’ve been and what you’ve done.

How we handle your application data

WHY PENA

Learn, experience, connect with PENA

A 9-month journey built around real skills, real experience and real opportunities.

Journalism Bootcamp01

3 months in Tirana

Learn from leading Albanian and international journalism experts through intensive training in:

  • Journalism ethics and professional standards
  • Investigative journalism
  • Digital journalism and storytelling
  • Data reporting
  • Fact-checking and verification
  • Editorial practices
  • Multimedia reporting
U.S. Media Exposure02

3 months in the United States

Take your journalism beyond borders. Fellows will have the opportunity to undertake 3-month placements at reputable media outlets in the United States, gaining firsthand experience of different newsroom practices, perspectives and professional standards.

Your Story, Out There.03

3 months in practice

Put everything you’ve learned into practice. With the guidance of senior mentors, fellows will develop a professional-level investigative piece or multimedia report exploring a significant political, social or economic issue in Albania. Then bring the story to the public.

PENA has your U.S. journey covered with:

Your potential shouldn’t be limited by practical barriers. That’s why PENA invests in both your work and your journey.

THE PENA
COMMUNITY

MORE THAN A FELLOWSHIP.
A NETWORK.

PENA brings together ambitious young journalists, experienced professionals and international experts around a shared belief: better journalism creates a better-informed society.

Events & News

Follow the story of PENA as it unfolds.